Private-sector forecasters, on average, have estimated that Ontario real GDP increased by 2.8 per cent in 2017.

“Our government is working hard to build upon the strong employment growth we've seen, and we know we can do more,” said Minister of Economic Development and Growth Steven Del Duca.

“We will continue to work hard to capitalize on the positive momentum by creating an economic environment that allows the private sector to create the good jobs that are the backbone of future economic growth.”

Across Canada, employment was little changed in February with the unemployment rate declining by 0.1 points to 5.8 per cent.